5 Shocking Truths About Martin Short And Meryl Streep's Relationship: Are They Really Dating In 2024?

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The question of whether Hollywood legends Martin Short and Meryl Streep are an item has become one of the most persistent and delightful rumors of the entertainment world in 2024. What started as a captivating on-screen romance in the hit series *Only Murders in the Building* quickly spilled over into real-life speculation, fueled by the duo's undeniable chemistry and cozy public appearances. While Martin Short has repeatedly clarified their status as "very close friends," the public's fascination—and the continuous flow of new 'evidence'—suggests the story is far from over, especially considering the recent revelations about Streep's personal life.

The intense curiosity surrounding the two actors is understandable, as they represent a rare pairing of comedic genius and dramatic prowess. This article breaks down the facts, the denials, the context of their professional collaboration, and the personal details that keep the romance speculation alive and trending as of this current date in late 2025.

The Biographies: Martin Short and Meryl Streep

Before diving into the speculation, it is essential to understand the illustrious careers of the two artists at the center of the Hollywood rumor mill. Both Martin Short and Meryl Streep have decades-long careers marked by critical acclaim and beloved performances.

Martin Short: The Comedy Icon

  • Full Name: Martin Hayter Short
  • Born: March 26, 1950 (Age 75 in 2025)
  • Birthplace: Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
  • Nationality: Canadian-American
  • Spouse: Nancy Dolman (m. 1980–2010, her death)
  • Children: 3 (Katherine, Oliver, Henry)
  • Career Highlights: Emmy and Tony Award winner. Best known for his work on *SCTV* and *Saturday Night Live* (SNL), where he created iconic characters like Ed Grimley and Jiminy Glick. Co-star as Oliver Putnam in *Only Murders in the Building*.

Meryl Streep: The Legendary Actress

  • Full Name: Mary Louise Streep
  • Born: June 22, 1949 (Age 76 in 2025)
  • Birthplace: Summit, New Jersey, United States
  • Nationality: American
  • Spouse: Don Gummer (m. 1978; separated since 2017)
  • Children: 4 (Henry, Mamie, Grace, and Louisa)
  • Career Highlights: Widely regarded as the greatest living actress. Record 21 Academy Award nominations (winning three). Notable works include *The Devil Wears Prada*, *Sophie's Choice*, *Kramer vs. Kramer*, and recently, Loretta Durkin in *Only Murders in the Building*.

1. The On-Screen Spark That Ignited the Rumors: Oliver and Loretta

The entire basis for the dating speculation stems from the pair’s professional collaboration in the third season of the Hulu hit, *Only Murders in the Building*. Meryl Streep joined the main cast—which includes Short, Steve Martin, and Selena Gomez—as Loretta Durkin, a struggling actress who joins Oliver Putnam’s (Martin Short) play.

The season saw Oliver and Loretta develop an unexpected and charming romance, showcasing a palpable and natural chemistry that captivated audiences and critics alike. Co-creator John Hoffman described their characters falling in love as "one of the most unexpected turns," acknowledging the magic they brought to the screen. The on-screen relationship between the two veteran actors was so convincing and heartwarming that fans immediately began to wish for a real-life coupling, a classic case of life imitating art that drove massive search interest for "Martin Short and Meryl Streep dating."

2. The Crucial Context: Meryl Streep's Quiet Separation

The speculation gained significant, undeniable traction in late 2023 when a representative for Meryl Streep confirmed a major personal detail: the actress and her husband, sculptor Don Gummer, had been quietly separated for over six years. Streep and Gummer married in 1978 and share four children, making the separation news a shock to the general public, even though it had occurred around 2017.

This revelation immediately reframed the public's perception of Streep's relationship with Short. Since she was no longer married, the possibility of a new romance with her co-star became a plausible, rather than scandalous, event. The timing of the news, coinciding with the peak of the *OMITB* romance and their joint public appearances, poured gasoline on the fire of the "Meryl Streep and Martin Short dating" narrative.

3. The Public Appearances That Fueled the Fire

Despite the official denial, the pair have done little to dampen the speculation through their public interactions. Their appearances together have been consistently warm, affectionate, and notably cozy, suggesting a deep bond that goes beyond a casual professional friendship. Key moments that fueled the dating rumors include:

  • The Golden Globes 2024: The two were seated together and photographed numerous times looking close and comfortable, sparking the initial wave of intense media coverage and public discussion.
  • The Season 4 Premiere Afterparty: Following the premiere for the fourth season of *Only Murders in the Building*, Short and Streep were reportedly seen holding hands at an afterparty, an intimate gesture that again suggested a romantic connection.
  • Dinner Outings: Reports of them enjoying dinner dates in California further solidified the public's belief that they were more than just friends.

This consistent pattern of affectionate public behavior, especially in the context of Streep's separation and Short's widowhood (his wife, Nancy Dolman, passed away in 2010), has made it difficult for fans to accept the "just friends" explanation.

4. Martin Short's Definitive Denial: "We're Not a Couple"

The most important and definitive truth in this entire saga comes directly from Martin Short. Amid the intense media scrutiny and rumor frenzy in early 2024, Short explicitly addressed the speculation. In a January 2024 appearance on Bill Maher's *Club Random* podcast, he delivered a clear statement to shut down the rumors:

"We're not a couple. We are just very close friends."

Short's representative also issued a similar statement, emphasizing that the two were simply "just very close friends." This denial is the official line and the factual counterpoint to the persistent rumors. While the public and some media outlets continue to speculate about a potential secret romance or a relationship that may evolve, the actors themselves have maintained that their bond is strictly platonic, built on a long-standing mutual respect and friendship that predates their work on *OMITB*.

5. The Future: Will Meryl Streep Return for Only Murders in the Building Season 4?

The professional relationship between Martin Short and Meryl Streep is set to continue, which means the dating rumors are unlikely to disappear anytime soon. Meryl Streep's character, Loretta Durkin, was a massive hit with fans, and her on-screen chemistry with Oliver Putnam (Short) was a highlight of the series. The producers clearly understand the appeal of the pairing, and Streep has been confirmed to return for the fourth season of *Only Murders in the Building*.

Her return ensures that the Oliver and Loretta storyline will continue to unfold, keeping the "Meryl and Martin" entity relevant in the pop culture conversation. Whether the show’s creators choose to escalate their on-screen romance or use their close relationship for comedic effect, the dynamic between them will remain a major focal point. This sustained professional closeness guarantees that the public will continue to search for clues about their real-life relationship, cementing their status as one of Hollywood's most talked-about "will they/won't they" friendships.

martin short and meryl streep
martin short and meryl streep

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